Page 158 of Knot What I Expected

Her breathing turns shallow.

“I’ve been dreaming about making love to you—to you, to your body—ever since I first saw you.”

Her lips part.

And there it is again.

That vulnerability she tries so damn hard to hide from everybody.

Even me.

Especially me.

I brush a strand of dark hair away from her cheek.

“You drive me crazy, woman. I want you so damn much.”

She stares at me.

Not speaking. Not moving.

And for once, I don't fill the silence with some smart-ass remark. Because I need her to believe me.

Not because Monster says Omega.

Not because the Fates might be shoving us together.

Because I see her.

Gabriella.

The woman. The mother. The smart-mouthed bartender who works too damn hard and gives me shit every chance she gets.

The female who's been haunting my thoughts for weeks.

My thumb traces her cheek.

“You don't ever have to warn me about your body, Honey Girl.”

Something softens in her eyes.

“You say that now.”

“Listen, I've been staring at your ass since practically the first fucking day I met you.”

Her mouth drops open.

“Rowan!”

“What?” I shrug. “We're being honest.”

A startled laugh escapes her. And, fuck me, there it is. The sound I didn't know I needed.

I grin. She tries to glare.

Fails spectacularly.

“You are such an asshole.”